The challenge of change

John Dommers



Abstract

The vision is simple: an unprecedented worldwide electronic communications network that connects everyone to everyone else and provides just about any sort of electronic communication available. It sounds like science fiction, but it isn't any longer.
Rarely a day goes by when we do not learn about amazing technological breakthroughs in the world of communications. Personal computers, multimedia notebooks, pocket-size digital telephones, camcorders and cameras, direct satellite TV and the ever-expanding Internet, have become integral parts of our lives whether or not we choose to benefit by them. Even virtual pet and baby games are by-products of our space-age technology.
Harnessing the potential of the technological revolution to benefit animals can present challenges of immense proportions to many people who conduct their business in a traditional way.This paper will address the issue of making the personal choice and taking the necessary risks to initiate or expand one's journey onto the information super highway.


About the author

John J. Dommers
Director/Coordinator
Animal Care Expos
5810 Soledad Mountain Road
La Jolla, CA 92037
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Ph: (619) 459 6131
Fx: (619) 459 7706
John J. Dommers graduated from Valparaiso University in Valparaiso, Indiana with a degree in Biology.
He was employed by the New Haven (Connecticut) public schools from 1966-1972 as a special assistant to the Supervisor of Science. He was based at the city's West Rock Nature Recreation Center and developed the country's first full-scale park-school environmental education program for elementary level students.
In 1972 John went to work for The Humane Society of the United States as the Director of Education for the New England Regional Office, covering a six state area. He later became the Society's National Director of Education and he headed the National Association for the Advancement of Humane Education, now called the National Association for Humane and Environmental Education. Later he became the New England Regional Director for the Society. In 1991 John became the Director of Animal Care Expo, the world's first full-scale trade show designed for animal rescue, sheltering, care and control personnel. The show holds the record for the largest gathering of animal sheltering and care professionals and volunteers in the world, averaging well over 1300 participants per year in its seven years of operation.
Before moving to San Diego, California from Madison, Connecticut in 1989, John taught a graduate course for teachers, Environmental Education 404, at Connecticut College in New London, CT.
John wrote and photographed a four colour book series for young people titled Focus on Pollution that was published by Xerox Education Publications. He has also written and photographed articles for the national Wildlife Federations' Ranger Rick nature magazine and several professional teacher magazines.
John's wife, Gail, is a full-time middle school teacher in La Jolla, CA. Their four sons all reside in the San Diego area.

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